Money from a recently approved local income tax hike will fund the new hires. Violence has escalated this year but despite the need for law enforcement help, the new recruits won't be turned loose to patrol on their own until December 2014.

"Before we put them on the streets by themselves, we want to make sure that they're fully trained, fully equipped and been able to serve awhile with an experienced police officer," Mayor Tom Henry said. "Sure, I'd like to have them sooner, but we want to make sure that they're in a position to serve us well and that takes some time."

The department will utilize an already established pool of applicants to fill out the academy class that is scheduled to begin this coming February.

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